Alleged robber flees Vernon store empty handed, possibly due to language barrier

VERNON – A language barrier may have foiled an attempted armed robbery in Vernon earlier this week.

Around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, Vernon RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Lakeview Market on 32 Avenue, Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says in a media release.

“RCMP investigators learned that a lone male entered the store and showed the clerk a firearm. The frightened clerk who speaks little English immediately walked away from the male who then fled the store without obtaining anything,” Moskaluk says.

Police believe the language barrier may have been what led to the man leaving without getting what he wanted.

Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect, described as Caucasian, with brown hair, an average build, and roughly six feet tall.

Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or via Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


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Charlotte Helston

REPORTER

Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.

Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.

If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.

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